Fresh to Brooklyn: See the new New York Liberty logo design

WNBA franchise changes logo for first time since 1997

April 15, 2020 John Torenli

For the first time since 1997, the New York Liberty have a new logo. They will also have a new home, Downtown's Barclays Center, once it is deemed safe for the WNBA season to begin later this summer. Logo courtesy of New York Liberty.

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Moving to a new borough also means a brand new look for the Brooklyn-based New York Liberty.

The WNBA franchise, which will enter into its first season at Downtown’s Barclays Center whenever it is deemed safe for pro sports to return to action following the global shutdown due to the COVID-19 crisis, unveiled a new logo Tuesday.

This marks the first time that the team’s logo has been changed since its inception in 1997, the league’s inaugural season.

Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai and his wife, Clara, are co-owners of the Liberty, who were purchased by Joe Tsai in January 2019, months before he took over controlling interest in the Nets from former owner Mikhail Prokhorov.

“While this new logo pays homage to our franchise history and the history of New York City, it also nods to our future and modernizes the team’s overall look,” said Liberty Chief Operating Officer Keia Clarke.

“This new chapter of Liberty basketball in Brooklyn will begin with the roll out of a new visual that energizes and excites our Liberty Loyals.”

The newly redesigned primary logo salutes the franchise’s origin while embracing the team’s new era.

It boasts a modern font, sleek lines, and fresh aesthetic to its most meaningful elements – the New York shield, torch, and black, white, and seafoam colors.

“New York’s shield demonstrates the franchise’s impenetrable pride and love for its city, while the torch is a symbol of enlightenment,” the team-issued release read.

“Seafoam green is representative of patina — the color of the Statue of Liberty due to its aging process and copper’s reaction to the elements. Seafoam also represents strength, power, and resilience.

“Black and white symbolizes the differences that unite players, fans, and the city. Black and White also solidifies the familial bond between the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty.”

Merchandise featuring the team’s new logo will be available for presale exclusively on Saturday.

Additional apparel will be available online through the Liberty’s Team Store at a later date.

The WNBA announced on April 3 that its 2020 training camp and regular season will be postponed as developments continue to emerge around the coronavirus pandemic.

The league continues scenario-planning for new start dates and innovative formats.

Originally founded in 1996 ahead of the WNBA’s inaugural campaign, the Liberty played at Madison Square Garden before spending the past two seasons at the Westchester County Center, which seats just over 2,000 fans. The team will have in excess of 10,000 seats available per game at Barclays.

“The New York Liberty are part of the foundation of the WNBA and have many of the most accomplished players and passionate fans since the inaugural season,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

“Barclays Center is the perfect venue to host New York’s team and showcase world-class women’s basketball. This move is key to driving the league to the next level.”